Thursday 19 / September / 2024
MUSCAT: With heads held high and smiles bright, the ‘fabulous five’ walked out, marking the successful conclusion of their six-month journey as part of the ‘GIFTed’ initiative.
Launched by Omran Group in cooperation with dusitD2 Naseem Resort in Al Jabal Al Akhdar, this noble initiative aims to empower individuals with disabilities to work within the tourism and hospitality sector.
The proud five graduates of the initiative were Ahmed Al Tubi (laundry department), Ahmed Al Dughari (stewarding), Fathi Al Amri (stewarding), Ahmed Al Awimiri (concierge) and Mohammed Al Awimiri (housekeeping).
The graduation ceremony, held at the resort recently, was attended by notable figures including Her Highness Sayyida Hujaija bint Jaifar Al Said, Gilles Cretallaz, COO of Dusit International, and Prateek Kumar, Senior Vice-President of Operations at Dusit Hotels and Resorts.
Also in attendance were senior representatives from Omran Group and the Al Wafa Centre for the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities in Al Jabal Al Akhdar.
The ‘GIFTed’ initiative focuses on supporting individuals with disabilities in the tourism industry, fostering their abilities, and creating pathways to acquire practical skills and explore diverse employment opportunities.
It strives to raise awareness of the capabilities of individuals with disabilities, enabling participants through specialised training for the labour market, and promoting social integration by emphasising the vital role individuals with disabilities play in the community.
This initiative is a key component of OMRAN’s #IAmTourism strategy, serving as a roadmap towards empowering national talent to succeed in this opportunity-rich sector.
Jagdeep Thakral, General Manager of dusitD2 Naseem Resort, and the key mentor of the graduates expressed his pride: “It is with immense pride that I announce the graduation of our first cohort of students enrolled in the innovative GIFTed programme, meticulously designed for People of Determination. Witnessing these five remarkable individuals graduate after a challenging yet enriching six-month journey fills me with immense satisfaction.”
He highlighted the collective effort behind the programme’s success: “The success of this programme would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication of the entire dusitD2 Naseem Resort team. Their selfless contributions – from mentorship to personalised training – have played a pivotal role in empowering our graduates with the skills and confidence to excel in the hospitality industry.”
Thakral, recognised by the UN for his contributions to similar initiatives in the Far East, praised the graduates’ achievements: “Not only did they excel academically, but all five have been offered full-time positions at our resort. This is a testament to their hard work, perseverance, and the programme’s effectiveness.”
Looking to the future, Thakral quoted Nelson Mandela: “We rise by lifting others. These powerful words resonate deeply within me. Our journey doesn’t end here. We are actively preparing to welcome a new batch of students into the GIFTed programme, further expanding its reach and impact.
“Furthermore, we aim to inspire and encourage other hotels within the Omran portfolio to embrace this transformative initiative. By integrating GIFTed graduates into their teams, these hotels can contribute to building a truly inclusive hospitality landscape across Oman.”
Thakral concluded with a vision of inclusivity: “dusitD2 Naseem Resort is proud to be at the forefront of this movement in Jabal Akhdar. The GIFTed programme is more than just an upskilling initiative; it underlines the power of inclusivity and the transformative potential that lies within each individual. We are committed to nurturing a diverse and empowered workforce, one that reflects the vibrant communities we serve.”
Following the success of the first batch, Omran Group will continue to nurture and support professional development programmes that enrich the tourism sector with qualified national talent, contributing to a tangible and positive societal impact, and fostering a thriving and sustainable future for all.
